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Area 51 Infamous around the world, Area 51 is perhaps the most well-known secret air base on the planet. Surrounded in controversay and conspiracy, Area 51 is best thought of as housing UFO's and alien bodies recovered from the Roswell, New Mexico flying saucers crash. Tales of reverse engineering of alien space craft to numerous sightings of foreign and unexplained flying objects in the night skies, bring visitors to the nearby town of Rachel, Nevada right off the Extraterrestrial Highway, to investigate. Rachel is also home to the Area 51 Research Center and a great little cafe called the Little A Le Inn. Known by many names such as Groom Lake and Dreamland, this was the design location of the stealth fighter. This secret air base is nestled in the very middle of Nevada's desert surrounded by desolate mountains. Several dry lake beds in the area provide ample testing grounds for high-security designed aircraft and anything "out-of-this-world". The US Government denies the existance of this base which is clearly seen on Russian satellite transmissions and by the brave few who hike to the boundaries of this intensely secure area. Signs warn that trespassers may be subject to deadly force. James Bond style listening devices and video cameras dot the entire perimeter. Black SUV's and helicopters appear out of nowhere at the slightest intrusion. But don't worry...the US Government says...there's nothing there!
Bonnie Springs/Old Nevada Less than a half an hour west of Las Vegas in Blue Diamond is a pretty close to authentic re-creation of the old Nevada West. There's a FREE petting zoo for the kids with a quaint restaurant and bar on premises for Mom and Dad to relax from the heat. For a small admission fee, visit an old western mining town that's both educational and entertaining. All day is complete with periodic gunfights, stage shows and hangings. The melodrama is not-to-be missed. Deputized children help the sheriff capture the villains. Adults can stroll and shop the many vintage stores lining the town. A miniature locomotive offers free rides from the parking lot to the entrance. It's a fun treat for the whole family. Admission to the zoo is free, admission prices to Old Nevada are $6.50 adult, $5.50 seniors and $4 children 5-11. Head straight West on Charleston Blvd past Red Rock Canyon. 702-875-4191.
The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace - Although predominantly a place to shop and dine, this indoor mall has a few unique attractions to offer as well. Foremost are the animated statues and laser show at the center pavilion. "Statue Animations" are about every half hour and are nearly unbelievable (or should we say believable). Watch Bacchus come to life and chat amongst the other gods and goddesses while above you a fantastic laser light show brings the ceiling to life too. The newest attraction is the free Atlantis show outside the new IMAX Theatre. Here you can watch a tale of Atlantis rise from the sea and as the Gods decreed sink back to the ocean bottom and afterwards venture into the IMAX for an atlantis oriented thrill ride. Also while there, keep an eye on the sky-like ceiling which very subtlety changes from dawn to dusk over the course of about a half an hour. Great arcade (downstairs at the far end) for kids, a magic shop with constant demonstrations and one of the largest FAO Shwartz toy stores. See Also Planet Hollywood. 702-731-7990.
Masquerade Village - The $25 Million spectacle features dozens of lighted "Mardi Gras" style parade floats accompanied by lively music (distinctly reminiscent of the Disney Electrical Parade on pheromones) with exotically costumed, dancing inhabitants. The floats, literally "float" about 20 feet above the heads of casino visitors on 750 feet of ceiling track in a FREE display every 2 hours. For a small fee visitors can become Mardi Gras riders in the sky and view the entire spectacular of the floor below. (Thurs-Sun: 4pm, 6pm, 8pm and 10pm) - Rio Suite Hotel & Casino.
Nevada Test Site Tour - Only in Las Vegas are you able to take a tour to an actual nuclear test site. See the desert where mushroom clouds appeared on a regular basis during the 1950's. This tour is a one-of-a-kind and if you are a history buff it should be a must-see on your list. The monthly tours leave Las Vegas at 7:30am and return about 4pm. Due to strict security measures, you must make reservations at least 3 weeks in advance for US citizens and at least 6 weeks in advance for non-US citizens. Be ready to show your photo ID with your social security number on the ID. Cameras, binoculars, firearms and any recording equipment is prohibited on the test site. For reservations or more info call 702-295-0944.
Pahrump Valley Vineyards - Located in the most unlikely desert location, Nevada's only winery regularly produces award-winning (24 awards to date) Chardonnay, Cabernet, Burgundy, Sherry and now a new Merlot. Only about an hour's drive northwest of Las Vegas (just past Red Rock Canyon) in the rural town of Pahrump, NV (also home to the studio of radio talk show host Art Bell) the Pahrump Valley Vineyards provides a welcome, classy respite to the weary traveler on the way to Death Valley, Tonopah or Carson City. Winery tours and tastings take about an hour and are completely free. Home of the annual Grape Stomp where you can join in the stompin' fun and maybe win a medal or trophy. There is also an extraordinary gift/souvenir shop and an intimate gourmet restaurant on-site with dinners from $13 to $20.
Located: 3810 Winery Road, Pahrump, NV 89048;
Winery Tour Hours: 10:00am - 4:30pm daily; Restaurant: Noon-3:30pm & 5pm-9pm 775-727-6900 or 1-800-368-WINE(9463).
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